Åre Old Church

Origins Along the Pilgrim's Path

Åre Old Church emerged in the late 12th century, constructed entirely of stone by the farmers of Åre parish. Positioned near Åresjön lake and the village of Totten, its location aligned with the Saint Olaf Pilgrim's Route, a vital medieval trail stretching from Selånger ruins near Sundsvall across the Scandinavian Mountains to Trondheim, Norway. At the time, Jämtland belonged to Norway, influencing the church's Romanesque design drawn from contemporary Norwegian architecture.The original structure measured a modest 5 by 11 meters, with a tiny 2.5 by 2.5 meter choir and just three small windows, creating a dim, intimate space for worship.

Medieval Treasures Preserved

Inside, medieval relics endure, including two ship-shaped candlesticks, a processional cross, and a striking wooden statue of Saint Olaf. Unlike typical depictions with an axe and orb, this 14th-century figure—possibly from Trøndelag, Norway—holds only an orb in its left hand and wears a tricorne Caroleans hat, a quirky replacement for its lost crown. In 1719, a war-damaged local farmer crafted this hat as a tribute to King Charles XII.These artifacts whisper tales of devotion and survival through centuries of pilgrimage and conflict.

Expansions Through the Ages

Jämtland's shift to Sweden after the 1645 Second Treaty of Brömsebro brought changes. By 1673, a pulpit graced the southern wall per Norwegian custom, joined by a 17th-century baptismal font and northern gallery. In 1736, the church extended nearly 12 meters westward; the old choir became a sacristy, a new western entrance with stone porch was added, and higher windows illuminated the space.A grand reredos over the altar portrays the mourning Marys and Christ's crucifixion, while current pews date from this era.

Iconic 18th-Century Flourishes

The 1750s saw the erection of a characteristic bell tower by Erik Olofsson i Rännberg, featuring an onion-shaped cupola typical of 18th-century Jämtland towers. In 1736, the flat inner ceiling yielded to three Gothic-style wooden star vaults, also attributed to Rännberg—a rare wooden interpretation of stone vaulting.These enhancements transformed the humble medieval nave into a more spacious sanctuary seating 150.

Enduring Role in Mountain Life

Today, Åre Old Church remains a quiet anchor amid Åre's ski resort bustle, hosting regular services and welcoming visitors daily from 8am to 8pm. Its setting in open farmland evokes the farmers' original vision, blending seamlessly with the mountainous landscape and historical Husesyn walking tour of Åre's heritage buildings.